Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Extravascular Immune Cells of the Heart
Published on: August 23, 2018
New Approaches to Target Inflammation in Heart Failure: Harnessing Insights from Studies of Immune Cell Diversity
Aaron J Rhee1, Kory J Lavine1,2,3
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;
Despite mounting evidence implicating inflammation in cardiovascular diseases, attempts at clinical translation have shown mixed results. Recent preclinical studies have reenergized this field and provided new insights into how to favorably modulate cardiac macrophage function in the context of acute myocardial injury and chronic disease. In this review, we discuss the origins and roles of cardiac macrophage populations in the steady-state and diseased heart, focusing on the human heart and mouse models of ischemia, hypertensive heart disease, and aortic stenosis. Specific attention is given to delineating the roles of tissue-resident and recruited monocyte-derived macrophage subsets. We also highlight emerging concepts of monocyte plasticity and heterogeneity among monocyte-derived macrophages, describe possible mechanisms by which infiltrating monocytes acquire unique macrophage fates, and discuss the putative impact of these populations on cardiac remodeling. Finally, we discuss strategies to target inflammatory macrophage populations.
Despite mounting evidence implicating inflammation in cardiovascular diseases, attempts at clinical translation have shown mixed results. Recent preclinical studies have reenergized this field and provided new insights into how to favorably modulate cardiac macrophage function in the context of acute myocardial injury and chronic disease. In this review, we discuss the origins and roles of cardiac macrophage populations in the steady-state and diseased heart, focusing on the human heart and mouse models of ischemia, hypertensive heart disease, and aortic stenosis. Specific attention is given to delineating the roles of tissue-resident and recruited monocyte-derived macrophage subsets. We also highlight emerging concepts of monocyte plasticity and heterogeneity among monocyte-derived macrophages, describe possible mechanisms by which infiltrating monocytes acquire unique macrophage fates, and discuss the putative impact of these populations on cardiac remodeling. Finally, we discuss strategies to target inflammatory macrophage populations.
More Related Videos
06:38Simultaneous 3D Analysis of Cardiac Damage and Immune Response in Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction Using Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: September 26, 2025
12:50Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure